Disability-inclusive shelter training in Nepal

CBM emergency response in post-earthquake Nepal, in collaboration with key stakeholders, provides training on disability-inclusive shelter and settlement in emergency.

Nepal Earthquake – Inclusive response

In April 2015 a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal. Since then CBM, with our partners, has been working to ensure that affected people, including those with disabilities, recover from their losses. As well as including everyone in relief, our response will help build resilience to future potential disasters by creating more accessible, inclusive communities.

Facilitating mainstream inclusion

One part of our strategy is to support ‘mainstream’ humanitarian actors as they become increasingly aware that disability inclusion is not optional.

Not only the date, but the general theme was in line with that of the International Day – ‘Inclusion matters: access and empowerment for people of all abilities’; the training will ensure reconstruction initiatives are accessible and, with NFDN (the national umbrella organization of Nepalese Disabled Persons’ Organisations, DPOs) as co-hosts, includes and empowers persons with disabilities in the process.

The programme

The training was led by Vidar Glette, a consultant specialising in the inclusion of persons with disabilities in emergency shelter and settlement programmes, with support of Ms. Shweta Sharma, CBM Emergency Response Inclusion Advisor, Nepal, CBM Country Representative for Nepal, Mr Prakash Wagle, and Nepal Shelter Cluster Coordinator, Tom Bamforth.

Participants were from different backgrounds – including architects, civil engineers, managers, program coordinators and country representatives – and were selected from government institutions, agencies working on reconstruction and Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs).

Day one focused on creating a consistent understanding of disability, inclusion, barriers, and the impact/interaction of and between emergencies and disability, through presentations and interactive group activities. The second day allowed a deeper exploration and understanding of the subject, discussing details such as technical standards & measurements. Resources were provided in accessible formats – including Braille – as well as being available both in English and Nepali. Future trainings - at district level - are being considered.

Feedback

“Having a document in Braille made training much easy to comprehend for me” Amrit Rai, President, National Association of Blind, Nepal

“I would like to thank CBM for organising such training for us, it was an eye opener for issue of disability. This is the kind of support that is required” Prajwol Raj Bajracharaya, Architect, Habitat for Humanity International

“When I go back I will give orienation to my team mates, review our activities and make sure our activities in future will be disability inclusive” Bibek Karki, Relief Distribution and Management Officer, Mission East

“Disability inclusion and inclusive shelter should be pre-conditions for any donors or government agencies responsible for any programs after emergencies” Pushpak Newar, Rehab Technical Manager, Handicap International, Nepal

“Training like this should be begining and must continue reaching to wider audience” Ritva Jantti, Country Coordinator, Australian Red Cross, Nepal